Johan Zarco to leave Pramac Ducati and join LCR Honda for 2024
Johann Zarco is set to bid farewell to Ducati and Pramac Racing at the conclusion of the 2023 season, as he gears up to join LCR Honda in 2024, stepping in for Alex Rins who will be moving to Yamaha. Zarco's association with Ducati dates back to 2020 when he joined the Avintia satellite squad, later advancing to Pramac with full factory-spec Ducati machinery in 2021. Having secured 12 podium finishes with Pramac, his move to LCR Honda has been highly anticipated, with a two-year offer on the table from Honda and an alternate proposition from Ducati, envisaging a move to its World Superbike project in 2025 after a one-year term.
Zarco's selection as Rins' replacement comes after Rins announced his transition to Yamaha during the British GP weekend. Although reports initially indicated that Zarco had already signed with Honda, he clarified that the final decision would be made on Sunday. Honda's proposal comprises a two-year contract with the possibility of a third year at LCR, while Ducati's offer involves a one-year term followed by a potential transition to World Superbike racing. Following the Austrian GP, Pramac confirmed Zarco's departure from their team, paving the way for Honda's imminent announcement.
Paolo Campinotti, Pramac team principal, expressed gratitude for Zarco's contributions and wished him success in his future endeavors, acknowledging his pivotal role in the team's progress over the past three years.
Zarco's previous ties to Honda date back to 2019 when he considered joining the team before signing with KTM. He later partnered with LCR for the final three races of the 2019 season as an injury replacement for Takaaki Nakagami.
Although Honda is yet to formally announce the move, Zarco revealed the decision in an interview with Canal+, confirming his affiliation with the Honda clan for the next two years, alongside the LCR team. He acknowledged the significance of transitioning to a project that entails developing a bike, reflecting on his career stage and securing his place in MotoGP for the upcoming two years.
Zarco's move to LCR Honda forms a pivotal part of the 2024 grid configuration, with Marco Bezzecchi's impending decision regarding staying with VR46 Ducati or replacing Zarco at Pramac being the next key development. Ducati has indicated that Bezzecchi's opportunity for a factory-spec bike in 2024 lies with Pramac, while VR46 is expected to retain year-old machinery. Valentino Rossi has encouraged Bezzecchi to remain with VR46, suggesting the team can provide him with a competitive package despite not offering full factory bikes. Bezzecchi's choice could influence the fate of Franco Morbidelli, who is set to depart from Yamaha at the end of the year. If Bezzecchi remains with VR46, Morbidelli could potentially secure a prominent factory ride at Pramac for the 2024 season.
